In the Bible, we observe times when God asked men questions. God’s questions help men correct their thinking and actions. We will look at a couple of examples.
In Genesis 3:9, we hear God’s first question to the first man. “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” Of course, God knew where Adam was, and what Adam and Eve had done. They had sinned by eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:16-17)
Adam’s answer to God’s question reveals one consequence of sin which is guilt. He said, “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10) God’s questioning allowed the first couple to confess their sin. (3:11-13) Unless people recognize their sins against God (1 John 3:4), and confess them, they will never be free from sin’s guilt. David, after his sin, said, “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” (Psalms 32:5)
When God questions you about your sins, it is for your spiritual benefit! You need to read God’s word and learn how to be freed from the guilt of sin.
Another question that was asked by God was to Cain. God wasn’t pleased with Cain’s sacrifice. (Genesis 4:1-8) Cain’s brother, Abel, offered a sacrifice that did please God. God encouraged Cain that it was possible for him to do what God commands, just like Abel had done. (Hebrews 11:4) God asked, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door …” (Genesis 4:7)
If you want God to accept you and count you righteous as he did Abel (Hebrews 11:4), then you need, by faith, to obey His commands. Cain chose to kill his brother Abel because “his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” (1 John 3:12) The questioning of Cain by God was meant to cause him to examine himself, make changes, and thereby find the approval of God. It has always amazed me that even God could not talk Cain out of further sin!
Another question by God is recorded in 1 Kings 19:9, 13. “… What doest thou here, Elijah?” Elijah was a prophet of God who had run away and hid in a cave since Jezebel sought to kill him. (1 Kings 19:1-2) Elijah’s answer to God’s question shows his discouragement, confusion and despair. (1 Kings 19:10, 14) God fed and gave him rest, and then re-directed his prophetic mission and work. (1 Kings 19:5-8, 15-18)
Why are we hiding in our man-caves when there is work to be done? There are many hurting people out there who are lost in sin, hungry, sick or bereaved. This same question by God helps men to quit feeling sorry for themselves, and instead go to work.
God had many questions for Job in Job 38-41. “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.” (Job 38:3) It was a humbling experience for Job to hear in person God’s voice. “… Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not … I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” (Job 42:3-5) Keep humble!